Thursday 5 March
By Rev Jack Holt
It began with Mary Jones, a 16 year old girl who walked 25 miles to obtain a Bible in her own Welsh language: the creation of The British and Foreign Bible Society. Out of the work of this body arose a larger number of Bible Societies including our own Scottish Bible Society. It became a founding member of the United Bible Societies, a fellowship of 146 Bible Societies at work in some 200 countries worldwide. The aim of these societies was – and remains - to translate the Bible into the spoken languages of the world; that the Word of God would be heard in their own native tongue.
But to follow an argument of the apostle Paul: how can they hear if they cannot read? The assumption is that if the Bible is translated into a language then it can be read; but as Christian Aid makes clear there are substantial numbers of people in the world who have no access to literacy.
Rev Jack Holt
Today the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization invite the nations of the world to celebrate the joy of reading and the pleasure of books. Many of us will use a Lenten book as a means of devotion and study, alongside a Bible, providing us with the lectionary of readings or themes to think about and discuss over the six weeks. As we read the words from the page or website, let us count our blessings for that simple gift still denied to so many.
Christian Aid
Daily Reflection
World Book Day - Today we celebrate being able to read. But 781 million adults around the world lack basic literacy skills.
Give 5p for the number of books on your bookshelf that you haven’t read.